KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has dismissed driving institutes' concerns about the risks of allowing B2 motorcycle driving licence holders to automatically upgrade to a full B licence, attributing their apprehensions to potential revenue loss.
"It is more dangerous for driving institutes because they will lose revenue," he joked, while responding to the Malaysian Driving Institute Association's claim that rushing the full B license automatic upgrade poses risks.
While stressing that the ministry has yet to finalise the details of the proposed move, Loke gave his assurances that a thorough study would be carried out on the matter.
"There would be certain safeguards in place. It would not be a blanket approval.
"(For the conversion), there would be a lot of conditions, in terms of age limit, number of years that they have held the licence, and probably one or two more others. We have yet to finalise it," he said.
PIMA president Mat Aris Bakar had yesterday suggested that the government should further scrutinise the proposal's details before allowing for an automatic upgrade of licences for motorcyclists.
He had said, based on statistics, two-wheelers, riders, and pillions make up the highest number of road fatalities.
"'Kapchai' and big bikes are two different things. Riding a superbike not only requires a B licence but also additional skills and competencies that one does not get when getting a B2 licence.
"Safety needs to be front and centre of the consideration as the move can endanger the lives of those unfamiliar with the difference in classes," he had said.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had earlier yesterday mentioned that the government would find a mechanism to speed up the implementation of the proposal to automatically upgrade the B2 class motorcycle driving licence to a B licence.
He said the requirements being considered are for the applicant to be 35 and above and hold a B2 licence for a certain period.
In August last year, Zahid said the proposal for an automatic upgrade from B2 class to B licence would be brought to the Transport Ministry for initial examination.
The Road Transport Department classifies the class B2 driving licence for motorcycles not exceeding 250cc, while class B involves motorcycles exceeding 500cc.
